Bledsoe County school board nominates Dr. Kristy Walker as Director of Schools; schedules contract talks

The Bledsoe County Board of Education voted unanimously July 17, 2025, to nominate Dr. Kristy Walker as its next Director of Schools after interviewing four finalists at Bledsoe County Middle School. The board scheduled a special called meeting for 6:00 p.m. on July 21 to negotiate a contract.

Board Chairman Andy Billingsley presided over the special session, which began at 5:00 p.m. and recorded seven members present: Tim Churches, Jacob Frady, Carolyn Oakes (via Zoom), Steve Perry, Charles (Bron) Reece and Don Snow. The board listed the interview order as Mr. Jeff Baker, Dr. Greg Harwood, Mrs. Bridgett Loyd and Dr. Kristy Walker; the minutes state each candidate was asked to “tell a little about themselves” and then responded to board members' questions.

After the interviews, Board member Jacob Frady nominated Dr. Kristy Walker for the Director of Schools position. Don Snow seconded the nomination. The minutes record the vote as: Billingsley — yes; Churches — yes; Frady — yes; Oakes — yes; Perry — yes; Reece — yes; Snow — yes. The nomination carried with no other nominations made.

The board then approved a motion to hold a special called meeting at 6:00 p.m. on July 21, 2025, specifically to negotiate a contract with the nominee. Following that approval, Frady moved to adjourn the special session; Steve Perry seconded, and the adjournment motion passed unanimously.

The nomination recorded July 17 is a formal step by the board; the appointment will depend on contract negotiations at the July 21 special meeting and any subsequent final action the board takes.